Herman Youth Group
We were recently paid a visit by the youth group of Herman Baptist Church out of Jonesboro, Arkansas. The people of Herman chose the pier 59 project for their summer mission trip and we couldn’t be more grateful. In anticipation of their visit, we planned a slew of events for the weekend that we wouldn’t have been able to carry out without the extra help.
Summary of Events
Mrs. Janee Brandon at Kensley Apartment Complex
The Church from Herman arrived in Spanish Fort this past Thursday night (July 14th). The next morning the group hosted two separate “Backyard Bible Clubs” simultaneously; we had one at Kensley Apartments in Spanish Fort and one at Richard’s house. All we at the pier 59 project did was rent a couple of inflatables and provide the locations, the youth group and chaperones took care of the rest. We had a great turnout at both locations and had the opportunity to strengthen connections that we had already made. The children received a great message and had a great time with the inflatables and games. At Kensley, in addition to the backyard bible club, the young men in the youth group picked up all of the trash and sticks on the apartment premises, organized the maintenance closet, and cleaned the pool area.
Shawn Brandon, Pastor of Herman Baptist Church
Friday night we had a cook out with Praise and Worship at the Inglewood Rental Community in Robertsdale. We grilled hamburgers, gave away prizes, and the Herman Youth Band played for almost two hours straight! There were a number of adults there that we had not previously met that told us that they were ready to have a bible study held at Inglewood. We also used this event to publicize the worship service that we would be having the following evening in Robertsdale.
We were forced to cancel the two events that we had planned for Saturday morning (a mother’s day out at Inglewood and a Fun day/introductory event at Peppertree apartments in Gulf Shores) due to thunderstorms. It was disappointing to cancel these two events but Praise God for the much needed rain! 
Saturday night we had the first official Pier 59 worship service. The service was attended by members of the small group in Spanish Fort, members of the small group in Gulf Shores, and a number of families and children from the Inglewood community. The youth band lead in Worship, some of the ladies from Herman hosted children classes, and Brother Richard delivered an outstanding message. We want to extend a special thank you to Central Christian School for allowing us to use their sanctuary!
Sunday morning, the Herman group accompanied the Payne family to Fountain of Faith Baptist Church in Creola, Alabama. I am told that the place was packed out (just three members short of the record) and that the service was great. Sunday night we met at the La Quinta Inn. I shared a short devotional, we had pizza, and then we played a few games.
Monday, the youth group took a day to enjoy Baldwin County. They went to the beach, shopped, and relaxed. That night they went to the Spanish Fort bible study. There was even a guest at the bible study who attended because of a flyer that he received from one of the chaperones! Tuesday morning the group departed and they are now safely back in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
We at the Pier 59 Project want to extend a HUGE Thank You to Brother Shawn Brandon, the youth group of Herman Baptist Church, the chaperones who were able to make the trip, and all of the other members of Herman Baptist. This was one of the hardest working youth groups I have ever seen. Every person who came had an awesome attitude and was a joy to be around. I know that God is going to do great things through Herman Baptist Church because every person that we met was completely dedicated to the cause of Christ. This past weekend was a perfect example of two different local Church bodies coming together to further God’s kingdom.
Members of Herman Baptist, we love you and appreciate you.
- John Koonce